Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss

[Upper_Krust]

Hey guys!

Just to let you know so you don't think I am being ignorant* I am really busy at the moment (with the immortals handbook illustrations previews of which can be seen here and here) and replying to this thread is not at the top of my priorities right now. I'll probably juke in if I get the chance, but otherwise I doubt I'll be posting anytime within the next week or so...but I'll be back.

*or at least more ignorant than usual.

 

[BOZ]

cutting in on the argument a bit...

Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss The comprehensive sourcebook of demons in the D&D world.
Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss is a comprehensive sourcebook covering the most dangerous (and popular) fiends in the Dungeons & Dragons cosmology: demons. It provides detailed information about the powers, tactics, and organization of the forces of the Abyss - both those covered in the Monster Manual and entirely new foes. In addition, this book provides new rules, feats, tactics, spells, and equipment for characters who battle fiends. Extensive story and campaign elements add dimension to playing or fighting creatures of this type. Included is extensive information on the layers of the Abyss and the ruling demon lords, demonic possession, and how to use demons in a campaign.
by James Jacobs, Erik Mona, Ed Stark; 160 pages, $29.95

i especially like that last sentence.

 

[Zaukrie]

This part bums me out:

"In addition, this book provides new rules, feats, tactics, spells, and equipment for characters who battle fiends. "

Why can't the book just tell us about the fiends? We already have hundreds of feats, abilities...to fight with. I hope this section is short. Other than that, can't wait.

 

[I'm A Banana]

*nodding* Correct on all counts. I like to leave it an open question, though I personally, and it might be strange to hear this from me perhaps, don't like the idea of him as a Baernaloth (your own damn interesting writing on that tangent notwithstanding).

This is the planes.....

A Clueless stumbled into the Cage one eve,
His eyes were wide as suns,
Me and three fiends were standing by,
We were the only ones,
We were the only ones.

He asked could someone help him please,
To Answer his great Ask.
We did our best to address his needs,
and respond to his great Task.

His question scared the Pit Fiend,
And the Balor turned to run,
Leaving me and the Ultraloth there.
We were the only ones,
We were the only ones.

He asked about the Afterlife,
He asked which one was True.
The 'loth handed him a vorpal knife,
And gave the Clueless a Clue

The Ultraloth said that nothing was true,
And that was half the fun.
The Clueless killed himself right there.
We were the only ones,
We were the only ones.

The ghost of the berk haunted my dreams,
With questions about it's death
The Ultraloth said it was part of it's schemes,
And with a grin, he left.

The Ghost of the Clueless asked me, then,
Which End was the most fun.
I confessed and said "All of them"
And I was the only one.
I was the only one.

 

[James Jacobs]

This part bums me out:

"In addition, this book provides new rules, feats, tactics, spells, and equipment for characters who battle fiends. "

Why can't the book just tell us about the fiends? We already have hundreds of feats, abilities...to fight with. I hope this section is short. Other than that, can't wait.

All I can say to this is to wait and check out the book. There's no way a book like this can be perfect for everyone, although we're trying to get as close to that goal as we can without going insane in the process. I do know that in the sections Erik and I have done, only 10% or so would fit into the category of "new player options." I know that I certainly agree that we've got more than enough new feats, tactics, spells, and equipment for PCs—anything new at this point needs to be justified and supported by flavor and story.

I can say this, though: a lot of those new options for PCs aren't necessarilly good for "fighting" demons, but ARE pretty good for PCs who want to gain new powers and abilities by consorting with them or summoning them to use them as minions or to steal powers from them.

 

[NexH]

I can say this, though: a lot of those new options for PCs aren't necessarilly good for "fighting" demons, but ARE pretty good for PCs who want to gain new powers and abilities by consorting with them or summoning them to use them as minions or to steal powers from them.

From a DM's perspective, that seems very interesting (for my use, not for the players)

 

[Zaukrie]

Not complaining James. Just posting my small hope. It is likely to be one of the first purely RPG purchases I make in some time (mostly minis lately).

Also, I agree that the consorting with and stealing powers...that is the kind of stuff I want in there.

 

[Mr.Black]

This thread has really grown.

I just wanted to suggest that when the unique demons are done, the authors should first take a look at Call of Cthulhu by Monte Cook, particularly the Great Old Ones. I was reading their entries and thought that many of them could pass for demon lords. They're exactly what demons should be: archaic, creepy, and completely evil in their motivations. Many of them are actually chaotic evil in alignment. I believe giving the demon lords the standard abilties of abominations (epic level handbook) or the great old ones would be a good base to build upon.

 

[arntof]

I believe giving the demon lords the standard abilties of abominations (epic level handbook) or the great old ones would be a good base to build upon.

Sounds like a great idea

 

[BOZ]

or, at least use those abilities as a basis for comparison, rather than copying them straight.